Community Corner

What is the Role of a Neighborhood Watch Member?

Neighborhood Watch training in Manassas highlights "reporting not confronting intruders."

In light of the shooting tragedy of a Florida teenager by a self-appointed neighborhood watch member about one month ago, reiterates the goal of such groups and their members here in Manassas.

Manassas has several active neighborhood watch groups in areas such as Sumner Lake, Weems ad Georgetown South. Helms said the purpose of such groups and their members is to "surveillance areas and report suspicious activities to police."

She said neighborhood watch members should never take it upon themselves to confront a suspicious person or activity.

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Extensive training that goes on with neighborhood watch groups emphasizes "reporting not confronting intruders," Helms said. "Confronting a situation is simply not safe," she said.

As far as neighborhood watch members carrying a weapon, Helms said those individuals would have to go through the process of obtaining a concealed weapons permit to carry, just like anyone else. She said the use of weapons of any kind is not encouraged. "Our training focuses on surveillance and identifying and reporting suspicious behavior so police can respond," Helms said.

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is the target of a national uproar after he shot to death 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February. Zimmerman, who is claiming self defense in the tragic shooting,  called 911 to report the "suspicious" teenager, but failed to obey commands to stop pursuing the teen. Moments later, a scuffle between the two ensues and gun shots that claimed the life of Martin are heard, according to media reports.

Helms, who began work as the city's new Crime Prevention Specialist in November of 2011,  said the city is in the process of reactivating dismantled Neighborhood Watch groups in areas throughout the city. She said there is a lot of interest by neighborhood leaders who want to work with the city and adjacent neighborhoods to provide training. There is a huge effort to train, she said.

Helms said the registration of Neighborhood Watch groups with the city is informal at the moment,  but that could change as the program expands. 

"There is always the possibility the program will evolve into a more formal process," she said.

In the meantime, Helms said the city's Neighborhood Watch program is structured around extensive communication between different groups and the police department's presence in the community at training, volunteer and neighborhood association events.

Helms is expected to give a presentation on Neighborhood Watch efforts, policy and training at the next regularly scheduled council meeting on April 9.

Tell us what you think. Do you think Neighborhood Watch groups are effective? Do you think they should still exist, given what has happened in Florida?


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